How do you market a small business guide?

[anivalis]

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone had any ideas on how to market a business guide nationally? I'm just about to start a new job in a company which has produced a guide to help small businesses, however i've only just come out of University and therefore haven't really had much practice in the real world as it is!

Currently it has been launched in Brighton and has been well-recieved, however now the plan is to go national, hence the need for some marketing knowledge! I understand they have agreement with Gardners to stock the books, but as yet, none have been sold.

I believe this is because only a few people even know it exists. So this is where i would love some ideas. I'm thinking PR, obviously because it is low cost, and maybe some type of Promotion??

Any ideas, however sailient are welcome!

Thanks

[gary]

The thing is you're up against the guides that banks like Lloyds TSB and Natwest offer, so the first thing to do is figure out what makes your guide different? Once you have that you have something to market.

It would certainly be worth your while having a chat with someone at your local Business Link and offer them a cut on any sales. A lot of new businesses go there, so it's an obvious target.

Gary

[Ozzy]

if you are interested drop me a line and perhaps I could include some information on your guide in my monthly newsletter?

Otherwise yes BusinessLink/Chamber/Federation Small Biz those kind of places may be worth contacting.

Also, contact other company formation agents such as myself who may be able to include a copy of your guide in with their packages. Just a thought.

[Rob]

As Gary says, there are plenty of guides out there and the fact that the bookshop hasn't sold any may say that your unique message is not getting across.

If you can find an unusual slant for the book then start writing some press releases to send to all the newspaper business pages and small business focused magazines you can find. Hone in on one part of the book which could help boost sales. For example "A new book from xxx shows small business owners how to achieve business in only 5 magical steps etc etc."

Send me some details of your book and I'll include it our monthly newsletter.

[anivalis]

Thanks very much for your thoughts so far, they are really appreciated!

I will take you up on the offer of being included in your newsletters, however as i haven't started yet i will check that its ok with the boss, and if i get the go ahead i'll be in touch,

Thanks again!

[james barber]

Hi there, I would need to know the ins and outs of this business guide, but i may have some advert space in a national directory aimed at small to medium enterprises and new businesses.

going hand in hand with this directory is a conference at which the directory will be launched. Its in its second year, and is better than last years.

I feel that this is what you are looking for a its on a national basis which is what you need.

Email me if you are interested on james@dbv-northeast.co.uk

james

[nickc]

A sample chapter online would help give people a feel for what is on offer.

Nick

[easytrade]

You could also consider selling the guide online as an Ebook.

If you chose to offer an affiliate scheme with it then you can get many sales. If you need further information then do drop me a line.

[StartUp]

I have a free guide to writing a press release that you can download from my website.

See the marketing page www.startupright.co.uk/market.html under other resources.

Julia

[GraemeKerr]

In the last couple of months we have added downloadable PDF guides to our website which people can download without subscription. I have promoted them recently amongst various Business Link, Chamber of Commerce and general business advice websites. They have been well received and are now being downloaded at a rate of about 17 a day.

I targeted business related websites as we specialise in business utility procurement and management, and most of the websites i approached didn't offer guides on this topic. I think thats the key, providing guides to a specific market that nobody currently does. This is difficult i know!

If you are interested you can download our guides at www.auditsunlimited.co.uk/documents.shtml

[adam]

As others have said, there is a lot of free advice available from banks and sites like this.

Great offer from Ozzy but selling a guide when forums like this exist might be tricky.

[Greg]

We have the following tips and advice at http://www.pressdispensary.co.uk/services/advice.html

Tips on writing a press release
Tips on when to issue a press release
Tips on liaising with journalists

We're also Brighton-based, so I'd be interested in finding out more about the guide locally. Could you send information to us via the contact details on our website? Thanks.